Overdosed: Coopers European Lager + 2kg BE2

[feldon]

Oops.

In a moment of brain fade I have accidentally put 2kg of Coopers Brew Enhancer 2 (instead of just 1 kg) in the fermenter with one tin of Coopers European Lager + supplied (lager) yeast and made up to 23 litres.

So what happens now? Will it be OK? Or should I drain some out and top up the fermenter with water; or perhaps top up the existing wort with water to about 30 litres to dilute it somewhat; or just let it ride out?

Any advice appreciated.

(PS. Yeast was pitched two days ago, and only this morning is there any sign of active fermentation. Wort has been around 15 to 17 degrees).

[gregb]

Do nothing. Let it ferment out and proceed as normal. Just do not drive or operate heavy machinery when sampling.

Cheers,
Greg

[hyjak]

^^^im with Greg!!!
might want to put warning stickers on the bottles once done though.

[feldon]

Thanks for the advice gregb and hyjak. Will do.
Seems like it might be one to leave alone till the Christmas hols.
Cheers.

[warra48]

With that many fermentables etc in the brew, I'd be very careful to ensure you give it enough time to fully ferment out, at least 2 weeks, and probably 3 weeks.

Bottle it too early, and you are likely to encourage bottle bombs.

[feldon]

Warra48, thanks for that.

I was wondering whether the sachet of yeast provided had the stuff to fferment out the 2kg sugars to completion. What should I expect - a sweetish brew with unfermented sugar remaining? Or will it go through to competion and produce a nice dry but strong brew (what? 6%).

Another thing was whether the high alcohol srength might cause the yeast to stop early.

At the moment its fermenting away happily, Nice inch thick foam at about 16 degrees C.

[warra48]

I think you'll be fine, and I wouldn't be concerned. It will ferment out OK as it is.
You obviously have a good fermentation going. Once it start to slow down, I'd let the temperature come up to about 20ºC to ensure the yeast doesn't lie down on the job too soon.

[feldon]

Fermentation coming to an end (only light skin of froth on top). SG is 1020. Temp is 17 degrees C (and has been for last week). Will put a column heater in the room and try and elevate temp to 20 degrees as suggested. Thanks again.

[feldon]

After 4 and a half weeks in the fermenter SG has come down to 1014. Have bottled it today with two Coopers carbonation drops per bottle. Into Coopers PET bottles too, in case they get too fizzy.

Was very sparking on bottling. Had to wait 15 min for the head to subside to take the hyrdometer reading. Quite tasty too. Only a little lager yeast stink. Don't think will have to wait the recommended 3 mths before its ready to drinks.

With thanks.

[warra48]

Nice one.
Hope it turns out OK for you.
It should be quite a malty brew.